Improvement in fence-posts



.H. .1. ST. JOHN.

FENCE POSTS.

No. 195,671, Patented Sept.25,1877

N. PETE-R8, PH

UNITED STATES PATENT QEEIoE.

HERBERT J. ST. JOHN, OF CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA.

IMPROVEMENT IN FENCE-POSTS.

' Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 195,671, dated September 25, 1877; application filed July 24,1877.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HERBERT J. ST. J OHN, of Cedar Rapids, in the county of Linn and State of Iowa, have invented certain new-and useful Improvements in Iron Fence-Posts, of which the following is a specification:

.My invention consists in a fence-post of cast and wrought metal, constructed in such manner that the combination of the two metals shall operate to mutually'strengthen and stifien each part, the result being attended with ease in construction,simplicity, and beauty of form, with the least weight of metal and the greatest degree of strength.

In the accompanying sheet of drawings is represented a side perspective view of the post, with a portion of the top cut away to show more fully its construction.

A is the body of the post, made of cast metal, in any desired general outline, reference being had to such a disposition of the metal as will best insure lightness, strength, and firm adherence to the ground. and having a suitable base, A. A longitudinal head or enlargement forms the basis or central part each of the side sections A A of my post. From this extend thin lateral flanges or ribs a, Which serve to increase its strength. This peculiar construction, being also continued down upon the base or lower end of the post, will be of peculiar advantage in setting and securing the post firmly in the ground.

The enlargement is cast securely upon the wrought-iron stifl'ening-rib B. The rib B is perforated, and through the openings at a the cast metal runs, and, uniting, secures it therein. Being sufficiently wide and placed at anopposing angle to the cast-iron flanges, this wrought-iron rib renders the post extremely rigid, and less liable to break than any post composed entirely of cast metal, while at the same time its thinness makes the post much lighter, and consequently cheaper in its manufacture. By. extending its edge beyond the cast part the wrought rib presents a bearingsurl'ace to the sand in molding, which obviates the necessity of using anchors or chap lets to prevent Warping, as the case might be if the cast-iron completely inclosed it.

The form of the stiiiening rib may be changed somewhat, as the same may be bent, indented, or provided with nibs or other raised surface, for the purpose of holding it in place, and it need not necessarily extend through the cast part, but may appear on one side only.

The wire fastening O is in the form of a loop, and, being slipped upon the rib B previous to casting the post, the melted iron runs around the inward extremity of this loop, locks and securely holds it in place.

Having thus briefly described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. The fence-post A A herein described, consisting of the wrought-metal stiflening-rib or core B, having openings at a, and the castmetal sections A A, and holding-strips C, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

2. As a new article of manufacture. the within-described post A, constructed as set forth, and consisting of the central strengthening-rib B and cast-iron sides A A, with base, substantially as herein explained.

In testimony that I claim the l'oregoingas my invention witness my hand this 17th day of July, A. D. 1877.

H. J. ST. JOHN.

Witnesses:

Giants. 0. HUFF, J. M. ST. JOHN. 

